Roger Long wrote:
Plus, even if they didn't see the other vessel, up to a point they
were probably proceeding exactly as a right of way vessel should in a
crossing situation. The right of way vessel has to maintain a
straight and predictable course so that they can be avoided. If it
becomes clear that there will be a collision, the right of way vessel
must take action to avoid it but doing that too soon can create a
hazard or collision out of a simple crossing if the burdened vessel
can't figure out the intent and predict the course.

If your friends were altering course as the right of way vessel and
not keeping a lookout, then they would be more than 24% wrong in my
book.

They weren't altering course - they had been holding a steady course for
a long time. If anything, I suspect the Soling maneuvered close to
them. They saw the Soling about a boat length away and started to turn
but it was to late. In their defense, this was one of their first
sails in a new (to them) center cockpit boat that has much less
visibility to leeward then the boat they were used to. With this
incident in mind, when I had a jib made for my boat I had the foot cut
high, sacrificing a bit of speed for visibility. BTW, this is the only
such incident my friends have had in 25 years of full time cruising.